Parmar returns to Davis Cup fold as cover for Henman
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Your support makes all the difference.Arvind Parmar, who has lived for the past two years with the trauma of his Davis Cup debut against Ecuador at Wimbledon, has been recalled to Britain's squad for the World Group qualifying round tie against Thailand in Birmingham, which starts a week next Friday.
In July 2000 the 22-year-old from Hertfordshire lost a two-set lead against Giovanni Lapentti in the deciding singles rubber, resulting in Britain suffering the humiliation of being beaten on their own lawns by the Latin American clay-court players.
Roger Taylor, who made his first appearance in the captain's chair that day, has decided to add Parmar's name to those of Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski, and Martin Lee. "Arvind is the fourth ranked player in the country and his ranking justifies his selection," Taylor said.
Strengthening limited manpower is an abiding problem for British Davis Cup captains, and Lee and Parmar must be ready to step in, particularly as Henman, the British No 1 and world No 5, is a doubt because of an injured right shoulder.
"Davis Cup has always been very important to me," Henman said. "Carrying an injury is frustrating at the best of times, but even more so when it interferes with my performance in Grand Slams and the Davis Cup. My plan is to rest my shoulder and get even more treatment and hope that I am ready to play."
Thailand, like Ecuador, will have two brothers in their squad: Paradorn Srichaphan, who won his first ATP Tour title in Long Island on the eve of the United States Open and pushed Rusedski to five sets in the second round, will be accompanied by an older sibling, Naratorn, who may play in the doubles rubber.
Paradorn Srichaphan, the world No 31, is his country's heart and soul of men's tennis. Danai Udomchoke, No 201, is unchallenged as the Thai No 2 singles player.
Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi have confirmed they will not play for the United States in next week's Davis Cup semi-final against France.
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